How to identify objects with your phone camera
Quick answer
To find out “what is this?”, use a visual search tool. On Android, open Google Lens (in the camera, Google app or Photos) or use Circle to Search. On iPhone, take a photo and tap the Visual Look Up icon in Photos, or use the Google app’s camera button. These tools can identify plants, animals, products, landmarks and text.
Identify something with Google Lens
- Open LensOpen the Google app and tap the camera icon in the search bar, or open Lens from your camera app.
- Point or pick a photoPoint your camera at the object, or choose an existing photo from your gallery.
- Tap the shutterTap the search button. Lens shows matches, similar images and links.
- RefineDrag the corners of the box to focus on one object, or add words to your search.
The best tool for each device
| Device | Tool | How to open it |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Google Lens | Camera app, Google app or Google Photos |
| Android (newer phones) | Circle to Search | Long-press the home button or navigation bar, then circle anything on screen |
| iPhone | Visual Look Up | Open a photo in Photos and tap the ⓘ icon with a sparkle |
| iPhone | Google app | Tap the camera icon in the search bar |
| Any computer | Bing Visual Search or Google Lens | Upload an image in your browser |
What these tools can identify
- Plants and flowers, and dedicated apps like PlantNet or Seek by iNaturalist go further for nature
- Animals and insects
- Products, with links to shops and prices
- Landmarks and artworks
- Text: copy it, translate it or search for it
- Math problems and homework help
Tips for better results
- Fill the frame with the object and use good light.
- Shoot from more than one angle if the first result is wrong.
- For text, hold the phone straight and steady.
A word of caution
Visual search is a great starting point, but it can be wrong. Never rely on an app to decide whether a wild mushroom or plant is safe to eat, and check important results with an expert or a reliable source.
Need to read a code instead of an object? Here’s how to scan a QR code. Looking for the name of a typeface? See how to identify a font.
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.